he offered special prayers for syria, the middle east crisis, communist china. the catholic church faces official who discrimination in china. the pope encourage arab spring nations, such as egypt, to adjust. for some, it was a welcome relief, or a day to rest up before big sales. >> some of us had work today, but not everyone. mother nature helped santa deliver a white christmas across much of the country, from new england to the snow-covered hills of colorado. a winter wonderland for people of all ages. and they're furry friends, too. after a last-minute shopping frenzy in malls across america -- >> i am not going over my limit. >> americans settled down for christmas. some of them this holiday in church, giving prayers' and things with their family. for americans serving in afghanistan, the christmas feast was a bittersweet reminder of life in the states, and the loved ones they left behind. >> and the opportunity to view of my family and mom -- to be with my family,, this job comes with a price. soldiers realize those prices. >> with america winding down its